Vehicle straightening device

ABSTRACT

A vehicle straightening device comprising a pull tower including a stationary support column, a horizontal pull frame reciprocally mounted to the support column for movement relative thereto between extended and retracted positions, movable locking means associated with the pull frame for grasping and pulling a chain or the like during retraction of the frame, and stationary locking means for grasping the chain and maintaining tension thereon during return of the pull frame to its extended position.

United States Patent 1191 J arman 1 VEHICLE STRAIGHTENING DEVICE [76]Inventor: Davis R. Jarman, 1619 Norwich St.,

Brunswick, Ga. 31520 9/1967 Chartier 72/705 Primary ExaminerRichard J.Herbst y 24, 1972 Attorney, Agent. or FirmClarence A. OBrie'n; Har- 21Appl. No.: 256,560 WY Jacobson,

52 11.5. CI. 72/447, 72/705 1 1 ABSTRACT [5 l Int. Cl B2ld l/l2 Avehicle Straightening device Comprising a pull tower Fleld of Search734441441449 including a stationary support column, a horizontal 72/705;254/1, pull frame reciprocally mounted to the support column formovement relative thereto between extended [56l References Clted andretracted positions, movable locking means asso- UNITED STATES PATENTSciated with the pull frame for grasping and pulling 21 3,566,666 3/1971Berendt et =11 72/444 Chain of the like during retraction of the frame,and 3,492,855 2/1970 Wylie 72/447 stationary locking means for graspingthe chain and 3,583,203 6/1971 Williams.... 72/446 maintaining tensionthereon during return of the pull 3,338,083 8/1967 Eck 72/305 frame toits extended position 3,566,667 3/1971 Hagerty 72/444 3,612,482 10/1971Eck 254/1 16 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures I I ,I I /0 /2 Brown et al. 254/2VEHICLE STRAIGHTENING DEVICE The present invention is generally relatedto metal deforming devices and, more particularly, to an improvedvehicle body and frame straightening assembly.

In recent years, there has been a large increase in the number ofvehicles on the highways, with a corresponding increase in the number ofvehicle damaging accidents. Many such accidents result in seriousvehicle body and frame damage, which heretofore had been extremelyexpensive to repair. Various frame straightening devices have beenprovided for making such repairs. However, these conventionalconstructions have been costly to manufacture and install and/or haveproven to be time consuming, and often uneconomical, to operate.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novelvehicle straightening assembly which is relatively economical tomanufacture and install and which may be expeditiously operated with aminimum amount of effort.

Another object of the present invntion is to provide a unique vehiclestraightening assembly which includes means for maintaining tension on apull chain, or the like at all times, whereby the resiliency of thevehicle body and frame is overcome to prevent partial return to thedamaged configuration throughout the straightening operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a versatilepull tower or device which includes a reciprocal pull frame togetherwith movable and stationary locking means for grasping a pull chain,cable, or the like, whereby tension may be maintained on the chainduring both the pull and return reciprocal movements of the pull frame.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a uniquepull tower or device for vehicle straightening including a horizontal,reciprocal pull frame which is slidably supported by a vertical supportcolumn by way of a mounting collar, whereby the elevation of the pullframe may be selectively adjusted to the desired height by raising orlowering the mounting collar.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the vehicle straightening assembly ofthe present invention connected to a typical damaged vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle straightening assembly and vehicleillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pull tower associated with thepresent invention with a typical chain and locking means illustrated indisassembled condition.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pull tower illustrated in FIG. 3 withthe pull frame in a fully extended position and the movable lockingmeans engaging the pull chain.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the pull tower similar to FIG. 4 but withthe pull frame in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the pull tower similar to FIG. 5, but withthe movable locking means disengaged from the chain and with a phantomview of the pull tower returned to the fully extended position.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along section 77 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a chain anchorassociated with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a chain anchorassociated with the present invention.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, thevehicle straightening assembly of the present invention is generallyindicated by the numeral 10 and includes a rigid anchor track 12fastened to a concrete floor or the like by way of a plurality of bolts14, or similar fastening means. Preferably, the anchor track is ofsufficient size and configuration to surround the perimeter of a vehiclesuch as that indicated at 16. The assembly is provided with a pluralityof stationary anchor members 18 which are removably fastened to theanchor track at selected positions to accommodate stationary anchorchains 20 which are fastened to the vehicle body or frame by hooks, orother appropriate means.

A pull tower or device, generally indicated by the numeral 22, isappropriately fastened to the anchor track at a location oppositelydisposed of the stationary anchors 18. The pull tower is provided with amovable chain or the like 24 which is fastened to the vehicle byappropriate means, whereby pulling on the chain is effective to deformthe metal body and/or frame of the vehicle toward its originalconfiguration. It will be appreciated that since the anchor tracksurrounds the entire vehicle, the stationary anchors and pull tower maybe selectively positioned at any desired locations to effect therequired pulling on the damaged body or frame. It should be noted thatit is not intended that the present invention be limited to the use ofchains for the straightening operation, and that other conventionalelongated, generally flexible members, such as cables,

- may be likewise utilized with appropriate modifications to thestationary anchors and pull tower. Once the anchor and pull chains havebeen fastened to the vehicle, actuation of the pull tower is effectiveto impart tension forces on the vehicle frame or body which tend toreturn it to its original configuration.

With reference to FIG. 3 of the drawings, it will be observed that thepull tower of the present invention includes a stationary, rigid supportframework comprising a base 26 with a mounting flange 28 and a pair ofrotatably mounted wheels 30. The support framework further includes avertical support column 32, preferably welded to base 26 and slidablycarrying a mounting collar 34 which is vertically adjustable by way of apair of support cables 36 which extend around reels 38, operativelyconnected to a conventional ratchet mechanism 40 and crank handle 42.Preferably, a pair of support legs 44 extend upwardly from base 26 to amedial portion of support column 32 for reinforcement thereof. Anelongated, horizontal pull frame 46, of steel or similar materials isslidably carried by mounting collar 34, such that it is reciprocallymovable with respect to the vertical support column.

A hydraulic cylinder or ram 48 is mounted between one end of pull frame46 and mounting collar 34 in order to effect horizontal movement of thepull frame.

As the pull frame is retracted, such movement is transferred to the pullchain 24 by way of a movable locking means 50 associated with the pullframe. In addition, the stationary support framework is provided with astationary locking means 52 which coacts with the pullchain to maintaintension thereon, as hereinafter explained.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIGS. 4-6, the operation of thepull tower associated with the present invention may be more fullyunderstood. Pull frame 46 is slidably mounted on collar 34 forreciprocation between a fully extended position, illustrated in FIG. 4,and a fully retracted position, illustrated in FIG. 5. As mentionedabove, this is achieved by way of a hydraulic ram 48, of a conventionaltype, including an elongated piston arm or rod 54 fastened to themounting collar 34. The hydraulic ram is actuated by conventional means,not illustrated, whereby movement of the pull frame may be controlled atall times. Initially, the pull tower is set up as illustrated in FIG. 4with chain 24 extending through an aperture 56 in the end of the pullframe facing the vehicle. The chain is locked in position by way ofmovable locking member 50 which is provided with an opened slot ofappropriate dimension which embraces one of the chain links. The pullchain extends from the movable locking member over a guide rod 58associated with the mounting collar 34 and extendsdownwardly towardstationary locking member 52 and a rigid flange 60 mounted to verticalsupport column 34 and provided with an appropriate chainreceivingaperture 62 formed therein.

As hydraulic ram 48 is actuated, chain 34 is pulled toward the rightdeforming the vehicle body or frame toward its original configuration.The pull frame reaches its end of travel at the fully retracted positionillustrated in FIG. 5. In this position, a considerable length of thepull chain extends through the chain receiving aperture 62 of flange 60.Prior to reversing the hydraulic ram, the stationary locking member 52is placed in retentive engagement with the pull chain, as illustrated inFIG. 6. At the same time, movable locking member 50 is disengaged tofree the chain from the pull frame. It will be appreciated, thatanytension on the pull chain due to the resiliency of the vehicle bodyor frame will be maintained by locking member 52. With the stationarylocking member 52 in position, the pull frame is returned to itsoriginal extended position, as indicated in dash line in FIG. 6. Withthe pull frame returned to the extended position, the movable lockingmember 52 is again placed in retentive engagement with pull chain 24 andstationary locking member 52 is removed.

By utilizing the pull tower in accordance with the above describedprocedure, the straightening assembly may be most expeditiously operatedwhile maintaining a relatively constant tension on the pull chain. Ifthe pull chain were freed for the return reciprocation of the pullframe, the vehicle body or frame would tend to spring back or partiallyreturn to its damaged configuration. This condition, of course, wouldnecessitate several additional time-consuming reciprocations of the pullframe in order to straighten the body or frame to the desiredconfiguration. Of course, it should be noted that it is not intendedthat the pull tower of the present invention be limited to the lockingmembers illustrated in the drawings or to the use of a link chain forthe purposes of pulling. If desired, the pull tower may be modified toprovide other appropriate locking means such as clamps or bolts suitablefor retentively grasping the pull chain, cable, or other elongatedflexible member. Furthermore, it is not intended that the invention belimited to the use of a hydraulic ram, such as that illustrated in thedrawings. It is foreseeable that other conventional motive means may beutilized for effecting movement of the pull frame relative to thestationary support framework.

With reference to FIG. 7, it will be observed that the mounting collar34 is provided with a pair of outwardly extending, oppositely disposedflange portions 64 and 66 which engage the lower edges of pull frame 46.This arrangement provides a sliding mounting for the pull frame, therebypermitting easy reciprocation under the influence of hydraulic ram 48.It will also be appreciated that themounting collar together with thepull frame may be easily raised to a desired position, such as thatindicated in dash by operation of crank handle 42 and ratchet mechanism40.

FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate two preferred embodiments of stationary chainanchors to be utilized with the straightening assembly of the presentinvention. The embodiment of FIG. 8 is comprised of a relatively flatplate 68, of steel or similar materials and provided with a mountingflange 70 at one lower corner and a chain receiving aperture 72coextensive with a locking slot 74 of reduced dimension. The mountingflange cooperates with a corresponding flange on the anchor track 12,whereby it may be easily mounted and dismounted at desired locationsaround the anchor track. The corresponding anchor chain is fed throughaperture 72, until snug, and the appropriate chain linkis placed inretentive engagement with a slot 74.

The anchor member 76 illustrated in FIG. 9 is also provided with amounting flange indicated at 78.and a chain receiving aperture 80coextensive with a slot 82. Preferably, the anchor of FIG. 9 is utilizedwhen the anchor chain is fastened to a relatively low vehicle frameportion while the anchor of FIG. 8 is utilized at higher levels. I

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A device for straightening vehicle frames, bdies, and the like, saiddevice comprising, in combination:

a. a stationary rigid framework, said stationary framework including abase, a rigid vertical support column rigidly connected to said base andarranged for preventing pivoting with respect thereto, and acollar'slidably mounted around said support column for selectivevertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel means rotatably mounted onthe colunn for facilitating movement thereof, the base provided withmeans for selectively rigidly mounting the framework on a continuousanchor track, the base extending toward a vehicle frame to bestraightened and away from the wheel means, column, and anchor track,and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on the anchortrack;

b. an elonated, flexible member attachable to a vehicle;

c. pull means reciprocally mounted to said stationary framework forpulling the elongated, flexible member by movement between an extendedposition and a retracted position;

d. motive means for selectively moving said pull means relative' to saidstationary framework between said extended and retracted positions, saidpull means being slidably mounted to said collar for generallyhorizontal movement relative thereto under the influence of said motivemeans; and

e. selectively releasable lock means carried by said pull means forretentively grasping the elongated flexible member when said pull meansmoves from said extended position toward said retracted position.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein the framework furtherincludes a ratchet mechanism mounted on the column and collar andarranged for selectively vertically adjusting the collar.

3. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said lock means includesfirst and second releasable lock means associated with a stationaryanchor point for retentively grasping the elongated flexible member tomaintain the tension thereon as said pull means is returned to saidextended position, and is attached to one end portion of said horizontalframe, said motive means being at the opposite end of said horizontalframe.

4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said pull means includesan elongated horizontal frame slidably mounted on said collar.

5. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said motive means extendsbetween said horizontal frame and said support framework for impartingmovement therebetween.

6. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said device includes aguide member attached to said collar for guiding the elongated flexiblemember toward said second lock means.

7. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said second lock means isattached to said vertical support column.

8. The'structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said first lock meansincludes an aperture in said one end of said horizontal frame forreceiving the elongated flexible member.

9. A vehicle body and frame straightening assembly comprising, incombination: v

a. a continuous stationary anchor track arrangeable surrounding avehicle to be repaired;

b. at least one stationary anchor member selectively fastened to saidanchor track at a preselected location thereon and adapted to befastened to a vehicle being repaired;

c. a pulling device selectively fastened to said anchor track oppositeof said anchor member, and an elongated flexible member connected at oneportion thereof to said pulling device and adapted to be attached toanother portion thereof to the vehicle being repaired, said pullingdevice including a base, a stationary rigid framework. having a rigidvertical support column rigidly connected to said base and arranged forpreventing pivoting with respect thereto and a collar slidably mountedaround said support column for selective vertical adjustment relativethereto, wheel means rotatably mounted on the column for facilitatingmovement thereof, the base provided with means for selectively rigidlymounting the framework on the anchor track, the base extending towardthe vehicle being repaired and away from the wheel means, column, andtrack and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on theanchor track, pull means reciprocally mounted on said stationaryframework for pulling the elongated, flexible member attached to thevehicle by movement between an extended position and a retratedposition, motive means for selectively moving said pull means relativeto said stationary framework between said extended and retractedpositions, said pull means being slidably mounted to said collar forgenerally horizontal movement relative thereto under the influence ofsaid motive means, and locking means associated with said pull means andmovable therewith for retentively grasping the elongated, flexiblemember when said pull means moves toward said retracted position.

10. The structure set forth in claim 9, wherein the framework furtherincludes a ratchet mechanism mounted on the column and collar andarranged for selectively vertically adjusting the collar.

11. The structure set forth in claim 9 wherein said lock means includesfirst and second releasable lock means associated with a stationaryanchor point for retentively grasping the elongated flexible member tomaintain the tension thereon as said pull means is returned to saidextended position, and is attached to said horizontal frame, said motivemeans including a hydraulic ram attached to said horizontal frame andmovable relative to said stationary framework.

12. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said pull means includesan elongated horizontal frame slidably mounted on said collar.

13. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said motive meansextends between said horizontal frame and said collar for impartingmovement therebetween.

14. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said device includes aguide member attached to said collar for guiding the elongated, flexiblemember toward said second fastening means.

15. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said second fasteningmeans is attached to said vertical support column.

16. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said first fasteningmeans includes an aperture in one end of said horizontal frame forreceiving the elongated, flexible member.

Patent No. 3,796,084 v Dat d March 1974 Inventor(s) Davis R. Jarman Itis certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3, line 32, delete "34" insert 24 line 50,

delete "52" insert 50 Column 4, line 19 after "dash" insert lines line51, delete "bdies" insert bodies I Column 5, line 22, delete "1" insert4 line 30, delete "3" insert l line 44, delete "4" insert 3 Column 6,line 18, delete "retrated" insert retracted line 33, delete "9" insertl2 line 34, delete "lock" insert locking line 42, delete "ll" insert 9line 52, delete "fastening" insert lock line 54, delete "fastening"insert lock line 56, delete "l2" insert l1 line '57, delete "fastening"insert lock Signed and sealed this 20th day of August 197A.

XSEAL) ttest:

McCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents ORM PC4050 HO'BS) uscoMM-Dc wan-poo UIS. GOVERNMENT PRINTINGOFFICE "I. 0-386-334

1. A device for straightening vehicle frames, bdies, and the like, saiddevice comprising, in combination: a. a stationary rigid framework, saidstationary framework including a base, a rigid vertical support columnrigidly connected to said base and arranged for preventing pivoting withrespect thereto, and a collar slidably mounted around said supportcolumn for selective vertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel meansrotatably mounted on the colunn for facilitating movement thereof, thebase provided with means for selectively rigidly mounting the frameworkon a continuous anchor track, the base extending toward a vehicle frameto be straightened and away from the wheel means, column, and anchortrack, and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on theanchor track; b. an elonated, flexible member attachable to a vehicle;c. pull means reciprocally mounted to said stationary framework forpulling the elongated, flexible member by movement between an extendedposition and a retracted position; d. motive means for selectivelymoving said pull means relative to said stationary framework betweensaid extended and retracted positions, said pull means being slidablymounted to said collar for generally horizontal movement relativethereto under the influence of said motive means; and e. selectivelyreleasable lock means carried by said pull means for retentivelygrasping the elongated flexible member when said pull means moves fromsaid extended position toward said retracted position.
 2. The structureset forth in claim 1, wherein the framework further includes a ratchetmechanism mounted on the column and collar and arranged for selectivelyvertically adjusting the collar.
 3. The structure set forth in claim 1wherein said lock means includes first and second releasable lock meansassociated with a stationary anchor point for retentively grasping theelongated flexible member to maintain the tension thereon as said pullmeans is returned to said extended position, and is attached to one endportion of said horizontal frame, said motive means being at theopposite end of said horizontal frame.
 4. The structure set forth inclaim 3 wherein said pull means includes an elongated horizontal fraMeslidably mounted on said collar.
 5. The structure set forth in claim 4wherein said motive means extends between said horizontal frame and saidsupport framework for imparting movement therebetween.
 6. The structureset forth in claim 3 wherein said device includes a guide memberattached to said collar for guiding the elongated flexible member towardsaid second lock means.
 7. The structure set forth in claim 3 whereinsaid second lock means is attached to said vertical support column. 8.The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said first lock meansincludes an aperture in said one end of said horizontal frame forreceiving the elongated flexible member.
 9. A vehicle body and framestraightening assembly comprising, in combination: a. a continuousstationary anchor track arrangeable surrounding a vehicle to berepaired; b. at least one stationary anchor member selectively fastenedto said anchor track at a preselected location thereon and adapted to befastened to a vehicle being repaired; c. a pulling device selectivelyfastened to said anchor track opposite of said anchor member, and anelongated flexible member connected at one portion thereof to saidpulling device and adapted to be attached to another portion thereof tothe vehicle being repaired, said pulling device including a base, astationary rigid framework having a rigid vertical support columnrigidly connected to said base and arranged for preventing pivoting withrespect thereto and a collar slidably mounted around said support columnfor selective vertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel meansrotatably mounted on the column for facilitating movement thereof, thebase provided with means for selectively rigidly mounting the frameworkon the anchor track, the base extending toward the vehicle beingrepaired and away from the wheel means, column, and track and engaging asupport surface when the base is mounted on the anchor track, pull meansreciprocally mounted on said stationary framework for pulling theelongated, flexible member attached to the vehicle by movement betweenan extended position and a retrated position, motive means forselectively moving said pull means relative to said stationary frameworkbetween said extended and retracted positions, said pull means beingslidably mounted to said collar for generally horizontal movementrelative thereto under the influence of said motive means, and lockingmeans associated with said pull means and movable therewith forretentively grasping the elongated, flexible member when said pull meansmoves toward said retracted position.
 10. The structure set forth inclaim 9, wherein the framework further includes a ratchet mechanismmounted on the column and collar and arranged for selectively verticallyadjusting the collar.
 11. The structure set forth in claim 9 whereinsaid lock means includes first and second releasable lock meansassociated with a stationary anchor point for retentively grasping theelongated flexible member to maintain the tension thereon as said pullmeans is returned to said extended position, and is attached to saidhorizontal frame, said motive means including a hydraulic ram attachedto said horizontal frame and movable relative to said stationaryframework.
 12. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said pullmeans includes an elongated horizontal frame slidably mounted on saidcollar.
 13. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said motivemeans extends between said horizontal frame and said collar forimparting movement therebetween.
 14. The structure set forth in claim 11wherein said device includes a guide member attached to said collar forguiding the elongated, flexible member toward said second fasteningmeans.
 15. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said secondfastening means is attached to said vertical support column.
 16. Thestructure set forth in claim 12 wherein said first fastening meansincludes an aperture in one end of said horizontal frame for reCeivingthe elongated, flexible member.